Awards & Scholarships

Awards & Scholarships

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine recognizes exemplary individuals through an annual program of awards and scholarships.

What Can I Do? “The Holocaust reminds us, in the most tragic way imaginable, of the consequences of remaining silent and passive. The Arab Spring testifies to the enduring power of questioning: millions of those under repressive dictatorships refused to stay passive, and they changed their lives and an infinite amount of lives after them for the better. The situation in Ukraine serves as an even more current reminder….While the conflict is not yet resolved, the very fact that ordinary citizens can make their voices heard and begin to change things is a testament to the power of the question.” – Eli Cohen, Mount Blue High School, 2014 scholarship winner

For Human Rights Educators and Leaders

Gerda Haas, founding mother of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, has inspired many with her passion for human rights education. A Holocaust survivor originally from Germany, Gerda worked for many years as the librarian at Bates College. In the late 1970s, Governor Longley appointed Gerda to the State School Board of Education. While serving on the board, she learned that students weren’t being taught about the Holocaust in Maine schools. Gerda not only identified a critical educational void, she took action to rectify it. The Holocaust and Human Rights Center welcomes the opportunity to recognize and honor an individual who, like Gerda Haas, has demonstrated excellence and initiative in human rights education and leadership. The center welcomes nominations from the public, center staff and board members. The recipient will be recognized on Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine’s annual meeting. Is there someone you would like to nominate for the Gerda Haas Award for Excellence in Human Rights Education and Leadership?

For Students

The Lawrence Alan Spiegel Remembrance Scholarship

The Spiegel Scholarship ($1000) is awarded annually to the graduating high school senior who authors the prize-winning original essay on the question:Why is it important that the remembrance, history, and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to a new generation?

The Mathilda Schlossberger Outstanding Student of the Year Award

For Students K–4 | 5 – 8 | 9 – 12 The Schlossberger Award recognizes students at three grade levels who have produced an exceptional piece of original writing, fiction or non-fiction, or an unusually expressive work of visual or performance art relating to human rights.

For Teachers

Holocaust Educator Professional Development Grant

Funded through the generosity of Dr. Julius Ciembroniewicz, the Holocaust Educator Professional Development Grant provides financial support to outstanding Maine teachers – at any grade level public or private – committed to Holocaust and human rights education. Awarded annually, the $500 grant must be used to acquire knowledge or develop skills that enhance the recipient’s effectiveness as a teacher.